Tower Bridge reopens to road traffic ahead of schedule

Tower Bridge reopened to road traffic on Thursday after nearly three months of work to replace the timber decking on the bridge's bascules.

The bridge has been shut to motorists and buses since 1 October, with work due for completion due on 30 December.

However, the work was completed ahead of schedule and the bridge reopened at midday on Thursday 22 December.

The early reopening will not come as a surprise to those who attended the October meeting of Borough, Bankside & Walworth Community Council, when the City of London Corporation's Paul Monaghan indicated that those working on the project were keen to finish the work to allow themselves to take a Christmas break.

"The decision to close Tower Bridge to vehicles was not taken lightly, but I am immensely pleased at how well the project has gone," said Chris Hayward, chairman of the City's planning and transport committee.

"I am particularly happy to be able to open the bridge a week early as a Christmas present to all Londoners.

"I would like to thank motorists, local residents, businesses, and of course commuters for their patience while we undertook this essential work.

"Special recognition should also be given to the dedicated teams who planned, managed, and undertook these complex works.

"Tower Bridge will continue as a defining landmark for London, as well as a vital river crossing of the Thames for decades to come."